Summary:
- Interim Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus vows to prosecute former PM Sheikh Hasina, citing UN-backed evidence of human rights abuses during her 15-year rule, and confirms extradition requests to India.
- Over 1,000 died in July-August 2024 protests that ousted Hasina’s government, with Yunus securing UAE’s release of 53 jailed Bangladeshi protesters through diplomatic intervention.
- Six reform commissions are restructuring Bangladesh’s judiciary, electoral systems, and anti-corruption bodies ahead of December’s planned “first credible election in 16 years.”
- Yunus prioritizes economic stabilization and banking reforms while pledging to transfer power to an elected government post-elections, stating: “My job is temporary.”
Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has pledged to hold former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina accountable through legal proceedings while outlining his interim government’s roadmap for democratic transition. The Nobel laureate made these remarks during an exclusive interview with UAE-based The National at the World Governments Summit in Dubai.
“We’ll bring her to justice. It has to happen, otherwise people will not forgive us,” Yunus declared, confirming his administration has formally requested India to repatriate Hasina, who fled to New Delhi hours before protesters stormed her residence on 5 August 2024. The interim government claims to possess extensive evidence from the UN High Commissioner’s Human Rights Report documenting alleged abuses during Hasina’s 15-year rule.
More than 1,000 fatalities occurred during the July-August 2024 protests that culminated in the Awami League government’s collapse. Yunus acknowledged international dimensions of the crisis, revealing UAE authorities released 53 jailed Bangladeshi protesters after his personal intervention with President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed. “Our relationship is very good because we have 1.2 million Bangladeshis working here,” he noted, characterizing the Gulf state’s cooperation as crucial.
Domestically, six reform commissions are restructuring Bangladesh’s judiciary, electoral systems, and anti-corruption mechanisms. A national charter developed through consensus-building talks aims to enable December’s planned elections – described by Yunus as “the first credible election in 16 years.” The interim leader confirmed his administration will transfer power post-elections, stating: “When my job is done, I will hand it over to the elected government.”
Economic stabilization and banking sector reforms remain immediate priorities alongside restoring law and order. The government continues pursuing Hasina-era officials abroad, with Yunus vowing: “Key figures would also be brought back to face legal consequences.”
